He's learned better than most people do. At least half the people she's met in her life usually ask about her ability to speak, to the point where she only minds when they actually think to ask the why instead of just the what.

She's not sure if his thoughtfulness is out of worry about his answer or if it's because reading is hard for him. It wouldn't be the first time. She makes a note to try to keep the sentences simple to be on the safe side. If he didn't need to eat before he might not have needed to read either.

can I join you?
I might be able to help.